A host of theatre favorites will take part in a by-invitation-only presentation of select scenes and songs from the new musical Ship of Fools on May 12.

Linda Balgord

The reading will be held at a private residence in Manhattan. David Glenn Armstrong directs the presentation with musical direction by Hubert "Tex" Arnold. The cast features Karen Akers as La Condesa, the tragic Cuban matriarch facing deportation to the Canary Islands; Linda Balgord as the rich and lonely American socialite Mary Treadwell; Rita Gardner as Frau Schmitt; Mark Jacoby as the ship's lovelorn doctor, Wilhem Schumann; and Sean McDermott as David Scott, an American painter head-over-heels in love for whom the cruise is an exercise in celibacy. Also in the cast are Lorinda Lisitza, Cindy Marchionda, Heather Milner and Todd Murray.

Based on the Katherine Anne Porter novel, Ship of Fools—The Musical features a book and score by Pam Tate with lyrics by Tate and Erv Raible.

In a statement Tate said, "The ship of fools is an allegory dating from the 15th century, depicting a vessel populated by human inhabitants who are deranged, frivolous, or oblivious — seemingly ignorant of their own direction. Our musical takes place in 1933 aboard a German cruise ship which is sailing home from Mexico, and on which the passengers love and hate with the same passions and prejudices that cause the world to drift blithely unaware into World War II.

"Porter's novel reveals universal truths about humanity's schemes and dreams, about our pettiness and our generosity, our intolerance and our love. Above all, it reminds us that we are all searching for a safe harbor, a place to call home."

For more information visit www.shipoffoolsthemusical.com. Industry folk interested in attending the presentation should call (212) 721-1254 or email marly@shipoffoolsthemusical.com.